History Repeats: Kayleigh McEnany Draws Striking Parallels Between Trump and Reagan – ‘Indoor Inauguration, Hostage Release Timing, and Assassination Attempts’

Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany highlighted remarkable similarities between President Donald Trump and President Ronald Reagan, drawing attention to pivotal moments in their presidencies that echo one another.

Speaking on a recent panel discussion, McEnany referenced historical parallels, ranging from hostage releases to assassination attempts, while emphasizing Trump’s “Reagan-esque” leadership style.

McEnany began her commentary by noting that indoor inaugurations are exceedingly rare in American history, occurring only twice before: in 1909 with President William Howard Taft and in 1985 with President Ronald Reagan.

“What’s interesting to me is the Ronald Reagan comparison, because not only is the inauguration in doors, you have the hostage release, really, right before Trump comes in. You had the assassination attempt, Ronald Reagan as well. Trump is a Reagan-esque president in more ways than one,” she said.

For context, Reagan’s second inauguration on January 21, 1985, was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to severe cold weather, with temperatures at 7°F and wind chills plummeting to -20°F.

On January 20, 1981, minutes after Reagan was sworn in as the 40th President, the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran for 444 days were released.

On March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency, Reagan survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Hinckley shot Reagan in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster. Reagan sustained a broken rib, punctured lung, and internal bleeding but recovered quickly.

Fox News host Emily Compagno chimed in, lauding Trump’s practical and safety-focused decision to move his inauguration ceremony indoors due to freezing temperatures. “You don’t have to do something just because that’s how it was always done,” Compagno stated.

“We see this stuff often with other large events, and I think the reality is that the storied history of this, the solemnity, and the iconography that we’re all going to be watching—how important and crucial this event is—all of that remains the same. Now, everyone’s going to be a lot more comfortable. We don’t have to look at Bernie Sanders memes anymore,” she said.

WATCH:

.@kayleighmcenany: “This has happened twice… What’s interesting to me is the Ronald Reagan comparison — because not only is the Inauguration indoors, you have the hostage release right before Trump comes in. You have the assassination attempt, Ronald Reagan as well.” pic.twitter.com/kLMnlouwaV

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 17, 2025